Protesters tell Vic Govt 'hands off our national parks'

More than 1,000 people with torches have sent a message to the Victorian Government not to increase privately run tourism businesses in national parks.

The protesters gathered on the beach at Tidal River on Wilson's Promontory on Saturday night.

They formed a sign saying 'hands off our national parks'.

Matt Ruchel from the Victorian National Parks Association says strong community protests stopped a similar sell-off in 1996.

"It is symbolic I suppose," he said.

"It's a place that's greatly loved by many Victorians but our protest is not just about the Prom, it's about the broader parks system and the many hundreds of really special places that are protected through our great national parks and reserves."